Antabuse (Disulfiram) Medicare Coverage

Antabuse
Chemical name: Disulfiram

Brand name: Antabuse

Typical dosage: 250mg

Typical type: Tablet1

Antabuse is a medication used to treat alcohol abuse disorder. Antabuse is available as a brand name drug or as a generic and comes as an oral tablet.

Antabuse is a medication that contains the active ingredient Disulfiram. It is used to manage chronic alcohol abuse disorder in people who want to abstain from alcohol.

Antabuse is typically taken as 500mg daily for 2 weeks, then 250mg daily after.

Antabuse, when mixed with alcohol, can cause nausea, vomiting and other symptoms. These undesirable side effects help the person taking it to avoid alcohol.

Common side effects include fatigue, erectile dysfunction, acne, headaches and a change in taste.

Does Medicare cover Antabuse or Disulfiram?

While some Medicare plans may not cover Antabuse, 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans cover Disulfiram.1

  • Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD). Most Medicare Advantage beneficiaries (88 percent) are enrolled in MA-PDs.2

  • Medicare prescription drugs plans each have their own formulary, or drug list, that details what prescription drugs are covered by the plan and how they are covered.

Drug coverage may vary based on plan availability. You may be able to find Medicare Advantage plan options in your area that cover Disulfiram.

Find Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage

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Average costs for Disulfiram with Medicare drug coverage1

Your copay and deductible costs for any prescription drug can vary depending on what coverage stage you’re in.

Deductible stage Typical copay stage
Your deductible is the amount of money you must spend on covered drugs before your Medicare drug coverage starts paying its share of costs.

In the deductible stage, you’re responsible for the full cost of your prescription drugs.

Some Medicare prescription drug plans have a $0 deductible. Medicare drug plans cannot have a deductible more than $415 in 2019.		 After you meet your Part D deductible, you enter the initial coverage period.

During this phase (the typical copay stage), you pay a copayment (flat fee) or coinsurance (percentage) for your covered medications.
$5 – $91 Free – $85

Additional information

Do not take Antabuse for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol or taking drugs that have alcohol in them.

Avoid alcohol and drugs or foods that contain alcohol. This includes alcohol in forms of some sauces, vinegars, topical products and even mouth wash. Do not use any products with alcohol for 2 weeks after Antabuse is stopped.

Liver problems can happen while taking Antabuse. Symptoms of liver problems include dark urine, feeling tired, loss of appetite, upset stomach, stomach pain, throwing up and yellow skin or eyes.

 

 

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not healthcare advice, treatment, or diagnosis. It is not an endorsement of or recommendation for this medication. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific healthcare needs, including your prescription medications. Only take medication as directed by your doctor.

Coverage and costs of prescription medications will vary by Medicare plan. Not all plans are available in all areas.

 

Written by Hayden Gharibyar, Pharm.D.